The Stopover (The Miles High Club 1)

“Oh,” I stammer in a fluster. “We ran into each other, that’s all.”

Jameson raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.

“Oh, don’t be shy, Foster. We get along famously,” Jake the imbecile says.

I feel the blood drain from my face. Just shut the hell up, would you?

I turn back to Jameson, hoping to change the subject. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes.” His eyes float over to Jake. “I want to know what leads you have, Mr. Peters.”

“Call me Jake,” he says.

Jameson glares at him but remains silent. Oh man. This is uncomfortable. I grip my notepad with white-knuckle force. Why did he have to say we went out together?

We did not go out together. I feel my face begin to perspire.

“Get to the point,” Jameson snaps.

“Well, I’m chasing a few leads, nothing concrete yet. It’s very early days.”

“Early days?” Jameson repeats. “Are you aware, Mr. Peters, of the importance of a swift resolution on this matter?”

“Yes, sir, but—”

“No buts,” he growls. “Our stocks dropped by four million dollars today. Every damn day they drop by that much.” He slams his hand on the table, making us both jump. “Do not tell me it’s early days,” he bellows.

Jake and I wither in our chairs. I’ve never seen Jameson this angry. He is stressed.

I wonder if he went for a run this morning. I’m guessing not.

“Mr. Miles,” I interrupt.

Jameson puts his hand up to silence me. “Emily, I want four stories this week.”

“Yes, sir.”

“They need to be sharp, relevant, and, most importantly, traceable.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“You can go,” Jameson snaps. “That is all.”

I frown as my eyes flick between him and Jake. Who’s he talking to? “Me?” I point to my chest.

“Yes, you,” he snaps. “Who else would I be talking to?”

I feel anger flutter in my stomach. “Fine.” I pick up my notepad and stand.

“I want the stories by four o’clock each day.”

“Very well,” I call as I walk toward the door.

“Send Tristan in,” he snaps.

I’m not your damn secretary. I open the door and fake a smile. “Sure,” I say through gritted teeth as I close the door behind me.

Damn rude pig. Who the heck does he think he is? I close my eyes in pity for Jake. He’s going to get eaten alive in there.